Connections Mentoring

Helping Young People Find Their Why — One Hour at a Time

Every young person has potential. What they often need most is someone who shows up — regularly, openly and with hope. That’s what Connections Mentoring is all about. With just one hour a week, you might be the difference that helps a student move from “I hate myself” to “I’m awesome.”

Why Mentoring Matters

When a young person has someone believing in them, their life often shifts:

• Greater self-worth & purpose — mentorship builds identity and emotional strength

• Better school life — engagement, behaviour and attendance often improves

• Stronger relationships — with family, friends, teachers

• More resilience — they learn to face challenges with courage

“I’m awesome. I’m going to get straight A’s.”
— A student after 4 weeks of mentoring, moving from a high-needs class into mainstream

What’s In It for You

Becoming a mentor doesn’t just change someone else’s life — it will change yours too. Mentors often discover:

• A renewed sense of purpose

• Joy in seeing someone take small steps become big wins

• Skills you’ll use everywhere: listening, goal‑setting, encouragement

• Connection with others — young people, fellow mentors, the wider community

• Personal growth — you’ll learn as much as you teach

Who Makes a Great Mentor

You don’t need to be a youth expert. You just need to care. A great mentor is:

• Consistent and dependable

• A good listener

• Encouraging and non‑judgemental

• Patient and hopeful

• Willing to show up — even when it’s hard

If you can give a little time, bring a warm heart and believe that young people matter — you’re already halfway there.

What It Looks Like

StepWhat You’ll Do

• Training Attend a 2-day workshop covering communication, goal-setting, boundaries, youth wellbeing and more.

• Get Matched We’ll pair you with a student from a local school based on shared interests and needs.

• Weekly Meetups Spend 60–90 minutes per week during school terms with your mentee. Just be present and supportive.

• Ongoing Support You won’t do it alone. We provide termly mentor dinners, check-ins, and help if challenges arise.

• Checks & Safety We require a Working with Vulnerable People card, Police Check, references and interview — because young people deserve to be safe.

Not Sure You’re Ready to Commit Yet?

We get it. Committing to mentoring can feel like a big step. If you’re not 100% sure, but still want to connect with young people and make a difference, there’s another great option:

Try Volunteering at Our Place

Our Place is a supervised safe space for school students in the Launceston CBD — a safe zone for waiting for buses, grabbing a bite or chatting with trusted adults.

• No weekly commitment — flexible rostered shifts

• You’ll be part of a team with staff support

• Opportunities to build rapport and see if mentoring is a fit

• Great for uni students, retirees, parents, and young adults

It’s the perfect first step if you’re exploring how to support young people but want more flexibility.

Learn more about Our Place HERE

What Schools & Students Say

“Having a mentor is like having a best friend who listens without judging.”
— Mentee

“This often leads to significant shifts in the young person’s belief about themselves and their worth.”
— Northern Tasmanian High School Principal

Practical Details

• Training Cost: $129 for committed mentors ($75 refunded after full term). If attending for professional development only, $349.

• Location: Local primary and high schools across Northern Tasmania

• Time Commitment: approx 60–90 mins per week during the school term

Ready to Explore What’s Next?

Whether you’re ready to become a mentor or just curious about taking the first step, we’d love to hear from you. Book a 15min No Obligation Chat via the form below

Call Tanya Cavanagh: 0412 300 850
Email: tanya@teenchallengetasmania.org
Ask about our next training date or how to try out Our Place

You don’t have to be perfect to be a mentor. You just have to care.

You don’t have to be a superhero to be a mentor. You just have to show up.